Monterey Bay Aquarium Quick Facts (2008)

MISSION: To inspire conservation of the oceans

GRAND OPENING: October 20, 1984

LOCATION: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, California

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Christmas 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. holidays and summer months, May 24-September 1, 2008 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays July 5-August 31, 2008

ADMISSION RATES: $24.95 Adult (18 and over) $22.95 Senior (65 and over) $22.95 Student (13-17, or with college I.D.) $15.95 Child (3-12) $15.95 Disabled Group rates available for 20 or more (by reservation; 1-866-963-9645)

INFORMATION: (831) 648-4888; www.montereybayaquarium.org

ADVANCE TICKETS: 1-800-756-3737 (toll free in California only; outside California, 831-648-4937); or order online at www.montereybayaquarium.org.

OPERATING BASIS: Non-profit, self-supporting

COST: Nearshore galleries: $55 million (opened October 1984) Outer Bay galleries: $57 million (opened March 1996) New entry, ticket lobby and skywalk: $10 million (opened May 2004) Ocean’s Edge galleries (updated Nearshore galleries): $11 million (opened May 2005)

CURRENT SPECIAL Jellies: Living Art – Celebrates the aesthetic appeal of jellies in unprecedented EXHIBITIONS: style through live animals, works of art in a variety of media, video and interactive displays and poetry.

Wild About Otters – Explores the fun and fascinating world of otters – from sea otters to their freshwater cousins – and a multi-sensory adventure into the lush world of remarkable tropical freshwater fishes, reptiles and plants. Features two species of freshwater otters and over 30 other species in five different galleries; interactive displays, family craft room and more.

GALLERIES AND Nearly 200 galleries and exhibits devoted to the diverse habitats of Monterey Bay. MAJOR EXHIBITS: The four largest exhibits are the Outer Bay (1 million gallons); the Kelp Forest (335,000 gallons); Monterey Bay Habitats (326,000 gallons); and Sea Otters along the Rocky Coast (55,000 gallons). World’s largest jellyfish galleries.

LIVE EXHIBITS: More than 35,000 animals and plants representing over 550 species of fishes, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, birds and plants found in Monterey Bay and other marine habitats worldwide.

FEEDING SHOWS: Sea Otters at 10:30, 1:30 and 3:30 daily Blackfooted Penguins at 10:30 and 3:00 daily (resumes March 17, 2008) Kelp Forest dive show at 11:30 and 4:00 daily Outer Bay at 11:00 (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)

DIMENSIONS: Site: 3.3 acres Exhibits and other public areas: 175,064 sq. ft. (excludes decks) Ocean-view decks: 25,500 sq. ft. Behind-the-scenes: 125,300 sq. ft. Total aquarium square footage: 322,000 sq. ft.

ATTENDANCE: Grand opening year: 2.37 million Outer Bay grand opening year (1996): 2.41 million Total in 2007: 1.8 million Annual average: 1.8 million Total through 2007: 42.3 million

STAFF AND Approximately 425 full and part-time staff; over 1,000 volunteers. ADMINISTRATION:

DISABLED ACCESS: All exhibits and aquarium facilities are accessible to people with disabilities. Assisted listening devices are available for the deaf and hard of hearing; most exhibit videos are captioned; wheelchairs are available free for use during a visit. Ask for details at the Information Desk.

INTERNATIONAL Visitor maps in English and Spanish and visitor map inserts in Chinese, French, VISITORS: German, Italian and Japanese are available free at the Information Desk.

ON THE WEB: Information about all permanent and special exhibits, events and promotions, live web cams, as well as a full press kit and photo & video libraries can be found online at www.montereybayaquarium.org.

Updated January 2008